Briquetting press molding process



May 1 w. ERNST ET AL BRIQUETTING: PRESS IVIOLDIIK': PROCESS Filed Sept. 16, 1940 e Shget-Sheet 1 FIG. 2

mm m wfl m mww n 4 8 M r Lfl y mi Y J 8 w 5 m A m y 1 w. ERNST ETAL 2,348,197

BRIQUETTING PRESS MOLDING PROCESS Filed Sept. 16, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 8

5 Cm K I lzvvzwrons SW 1&MLM

Army/vim May 9, 1944.

w. ERNST ET AL BRIQUETTING PRESS MOLDING PROCESS Filedfiept. 16, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 r 0 55 m y 5 N F Fatented May 9, 1944 UNiTED T. mirror BEIQUEMING PREg TVIHJDWG PMCESS Walter Ernst; Mount Gilead, bio, and Leslie S.

Hnbhert, Crani'oral, N. 5., 1a.:

to The Hymetallic-Development Correction, End, Wilmington, Del, a. corporation oi Delaware Application September 16, 19%, Serial No. 357,iil6

3 Claims.

This invention relates to pressing machinery, and in particular to a new method of molding granular material.

One object of this invention is to provides new method of molding granular material according to which the molding plunger is temporarily and automatically retracted from the workpiece. during the working stroke, while air entrapped in the partially compressed workpiece is Positively withdrawn therefrom.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method of molding granular material in'e. mold 'press according to These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear-more clearly from the 301- lowing smciflcstions in connection with the press illustrated by way of example in the accompenying drawings, in which:

Figure l is e. front elevation of o. molding one embment oi the inrention.

Figure 2 is a vertical section through the molding press of figure 1, taken along the line t-i in Figure 3, and showing the mold-shifting with a. top and bottom member'movable relative to the mold according to which the bottom member oi the mold and the side well of the mold are moved'relatively to each other so as V to provide a'suction efiect for enhancing filling oi the mold during motion in one direction, and preferably to provide an ejection of the workpiece or e. placing of the workpiece in position for ejection during motion in the opposite direction.

It is another object of the invention to provide a. method of molding granular material in a mold with top and bottom member movable relative to the mold, according to'which o. more even pressure is exerted upon the-materiel to be molded by effecting a relative movement between the bottom member and side wall portion of the mold while moving the sidewall portion of the mold by frictional engagement thereof with the partially compressed material in the mold.

Another object is to provide a molding method as set forth above, according to which the'top and bottom'member of the mold are moved hydraulically independent of each other.

Another object is to provide a method of molding granular material in a mold with relatively movable sides, top and bottom members, according to which this relative motion is bydraulically efiected so as to efiect relative motion between the bottom member and the sides sluring the Working stroke by reason oi the frictional engagement of the molding material with the walls of the mold, but to permit the mold wells to yield and move only when a predetermined pressure has been reached.

Another object is to provide a. molding methed, as set forth in the preceding paragraph, ac-

. cording to which the bottom member of the match; along the line t=-5 in Figure 1, and

mold.

mold is retracted temporarily for a predetermined period of time in response to a. predetermined pressure exerted on the molding material, and thereafter caused to resume its pressing stroke.

mechanism.

'Figure 3 is a right-hand sideeleretion of. the

molding press shown in Figure 1.

Figure t is s. top plan View of the mold charger looking in approximately the direction of the arrows s-s in Figure 1, but. with the mold charger in its inner, position over the mold for charging the mold with molding material.

Figure 5 is 'a vertical section taken approxishowing mechanism for moving the adjustable stops for determining the desired depth or the oi each electrical unit arranged in their proper I relative positions.

Figures 10 to 15 illustrate diagrammatically various stages of the molding method according l to the invention.

General urrangement In general, the hydraulic press circuit of this invention consists of a molding press having a main molding plunger adapwd to enter a'mold which has relatively movable wells. such as relatively movable sides and bottom. Cooperating with the mold is a mold charger which is movable into and out of registration with the 'mold opening, so as to permit the mold to be charged with-molding material. The press is particuarly well adapted to be em red for the molding 01 articles formed from gran hydraulic plunger which moves them relativelymolding material The mold sides are connectedto an auxiliary ,quantities of air.

to the bottom thereof, so that the depth of the mold may be gradually and progressively increased as the charging takes place, thereby facilitating the filling of the mold and reducing the tendency of certain granular materials to arch over the mold cavity and entrap large The distance to which the sides of the mold may move relatively to the bottom is governed by an adjustable stop mechanism, by the action of which the effective depth of the mold cavity may be varied as desired. Thus, the same moldassembly may be employed for the production of different thicknesses of workpieces, hence, the pressis particularly well adapted for the production of briquettes of various sizes.

The relative motion between the sides and bottom of the mold also provides for the expulsion of the workpiece from the mold, so that it is in position for ejection when the mold charger moves across the path of the main plunger on the next charging stroke. The sides of the mold are also permitted to yield and move downwardly during the pressing or molding stroke after a predetermined pressure is reached, this motion being caused by the frictional engagement of the molding materials with the Side walls of the mold; thus producing the chest of simultaneous pressing upon the top and bottom of the molded article. I

An electrical control circuit and two hydraulic circuits are provided for correlating the motions of the mold with the main plunger. These circuits are so arranged that when the mold charger is moved into position over the mold opening, a circuit is closed, which causes the sides of the mold to rise relatively to the bottom, thereby causing the mold cavity to increase in depth from zero to its maximum depth while the molding materials are falling into the mold cavity. This enhances filling of the'mold and assists in preventing the arching over of the molding materials during the filling operation, as well as safety valve. This action gives the effect of plungers simultaneously moving in opposite directions at the top and bottom of the mold.

When the pressure again reaches a predetermined amount, the condition of the circuit is so changed that the mainplunger is caused to exert a pressure dwell for a predetermined time period, as controlled by a second timing'device. When the operating period of this second timing device has expired, the condition of the circuit is again changed in such a manner that the motion of the main plunger is reversed so that it executes ajretraction stroke. On its way backto its retracted position the main plunger actuates devices which operate the circuit in 'such a manner as to cause the sides of the mold to move relatively to the bottom, and to eliminate the cavity in the mold by bringing the bottom and top edges -of the mold opening on the same level, thereby expelling the block or other molded workpiece. viously refilled the mold charger, again moves it into the mold-charging position, whereupon this motion also ejects the workpiece from the press. The operator then withdraws the mold charger to its outer position, thereby conditioning the circuit for the repetition of a molding cycle. Meanwhile, the main plunger has reached the top of its retraction stroke and has actuated devices which cause it to come to a halt.

Hitherto, the molding of articles, particularly briquettes, has been unsatisfactoryv due to the fact that certain kinds of materials, when molded into briquettes, gave mediocre results as regards the strength of the briquette. Such briquettes when roughly handled or even during storage, would frequently develop cleavage cracks or actual fractures. This has been particularly true in the case of the molding of briquettes 40 of such granular material as carbon. Extensive reducing the amount of air entrapped between dition of the circuit in such a manner as to cause the pressing plunger to retract or back off temporarily, while a suction device is actuated to withdraw air which has been forced out from between the particles of the material into the mold, and which would. otherwise reduce the strength of the molded article and place the latter under an internal strain with the result that eventually fracture will be caused it not very vcarefully handled or during storage. A timing device controls the length of the period of backing-01f of the main plunger.

At the expiration of this period the main plunger or molding plunger reenters the mold and proceeds upon its finishing stroke. During this pressing or molding stroke the sides of the mold are strongly and frictionally engaged by the partially formed workpiece. The side walls of the mold are permitted to yield downwardly by reason of this frictional engagement, the pressure at which yielding takes place being constudy of this problem has led investigators to believe that the fragility of such blocks has been due to the entrapment of air within. the block or briquette, with the result that this entrapped air places the block under a strain tending to produce deformation when the block is. expelled from the press. The molding press and circuit of the present invention substantially I briquettes produced by the press and circuit of the present invention are of such greater strength than those hitherto produced in that the development of the cracks or cleavage planes, previously mentioned, does not occur, and also that the finished blocks or briquettes will stand much rougher handling either in shipment or in use than those hitherto produced. At the same time, the press and circuit of the present invention enable the production of these blocks to be carried out rapidly and economically with an automatic .cycle of'operation requiring no attention upon the part of the operator other than the charging of the mold and the closing of the starting switches. While the circuit may be arranged for full automatic operation so as to repeat a number of molding strokes, it has been found that the presence of the operator is trolled. y a P ssure-re eas g dev ce s ch as a n desirable inthe event t att e charging of the The operator having pre- Main press construction The molding press according to the preferred embodiment shown-in Figures 1 to 5, consists of ahead 80 and bed [I interconnected by strain rods l2 (Figure 3), the whole being held in as sembly by nuts l3 upon the threaded ends of the strain rods. Vertical cover plates M are provided for partially concealing the strain rods, these cover plates l4 extending between the head l and bed H of the press. The head I0 is provided with a main cylinder l5 and doubleacting booster and pull-back cylinders l5, extending upwardly from the head ID. A shelf l1, in the form of a bracket, is also secured to the rearward side of the head In (Figure 3) for the support of certain of the parts of the circuit. Superimposed upon the main cylinder I5 is a surge tank l8 for containing the oil or other working liquid used in the hydraulic circuit.

Mounted upon the shelf I1 is a reversible variable delivery main pump I9 and a variable delivery auxiliary pump 20, both being driven by a' motor 2| (Figure 3). The main pump l9 suppliespressure fluid for actuating the maincircuit so as to advance and retract the main plunger 22 reciprocable in the main cylinder l5, as well as the booster and pull-back plungers 23 reciprocable in the booster and pull-back cylinders IS. The booster and pull-back plurgers 23 are double acting, pressure fluid being applicable to the upper ends through the connections 24for rapidly advancing the main platen 25'to the work, and with it themolding plunger 26 upon the molding plunger support 21 secured to the platen 25.

The reversible variable delivery main pump I9 is of a type well known to those skilled in the art and requires no special discussion. Any suitable pump may be employed, the pump shown being of the radial piston type having the volume and'direction of deliver'yof pressure fluid with a rounded yoke portion 44, engaged by a collar upon the main press control rod 41, V

which is reciprocable vertically in bosses 45 and 45" upon the head I 0 and bed II, respectively. The platen 25 is provided with a platen arm 41 engageable with an adjustable collar 48 upon the main press control rod 45, whereby the latter will be lifted when the platen 25 rises to a predetermined point, thereby shifting the servomotor control valve member 29 through the previously mentioned connecting rods and levers, into a position where the servomotor 28 will place the shiftring or flow-control member of the pump I! in its neutral position, halting the upward travel of the main platen 25. Secured to the platen arm 41 and movable therewith .is. a

bracket 49 (Figure 3), upon which is mounted an upwardly extending switch-actuating rod 50 carrying an adjustable switch-actuating collar 5|. The collar 5| is adapted to operate a limit switch, subsequently to be described, on the upward stroke only of the platen 25.

The main control rod 45 is provided with a pair of spaced collars 52, engaging the yoked end of an arm 53 pivotally mounted upon a stud 54 and connected to a hand lever 55;

By manipulating the hand lever 55 the main press control rod 46 may be thus moved up or down for manual control of the servomotor control valve themrocable in bosses 59 and 60 upon the head In and.

- bed ll of the press. The platen 25 is provided with an auxiliary platen arm 5|, which is adapted to-movejdownwardly with the. platen 25 into engagement with a yielding adjustablecollar 62 slidably mounted" upon the valve rod 53. The

adjustable collar 52 is in the form of a deepinverted cup 63, with the closed end 64 bored for the passage of the valve rod 53 so as to he slidable relatively to the latter.

member 63 contains a coil spring 65 which seats controlled by a shift ring (not shown) underthe action of a servomotor 28, controlled by a servomotor control valve member 2a (Figure 3). The variable delivery pump I9 is also provided with a pressure control unit 30, within which is mounted spring mechanism the force of which is adjustably controlled by the hand wheel 3|.

' .Thispressure control unit 30 enables the shifting or flow-control member of thepump to be moved automatically to its zero delivery or neutral position upon the attainment of a predetermined pressure in the circuit. The servomotor control valve member 23 is pivotally connected to a rocking lever 32 pivotally connected through a connecting rod 33 to a rocking lever 34. The rocking lever 34 is connected by a connecting rod 35 to an arm 36, connected at one end against the closed end 54, and at its other end against a nut 65 threaded upon the al type and its details form no part'of thepresent invention. The valve shown-is of the piston l type, having spaced heads (not shown) mounted I When the platen 25 and platen arm 6| move upon the valve rod 53 and cooperating with suitable ports to open or close communication therebetween in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. J

downwardly intoengagement with the yielding collar 62, force is-transmitted from the platen arm 51 to the valve rod 55 through the coil spring 65, urging the valve rod 58 downwardly until the normally closed two-way valve 51 is opened, whereupon the platen 25 and platen arm 5! continue to move without further moving the valve rod 58 merely by compressing the spring 65 The hydraulic connections of thetwo-way valve 51 are described below under the heading Main hydraulic circuit.

Mounted on the opposite side of the press head lll, in addition to the auxiliary p unp 20, is a four-way valve '10 of .a conventional type, preferably of abalanced piston type, having spaced- The cup-shaped heads (not shown) shifted relatively to ports in the casing II thereof by means of a valve rod I2 (Figures 1 and 7). The valve rod 12 is connected by a linkage I3 to the armature 14' of a solenoid I5, likewise mounted upon the head I8 of the press.

Mounted upon the cover plates I4 are pressure gauges I8, I1 and I8 for'indicattactors, time relays, etc.. described under the heading "Electrical circuit."

, Construction of mold and mold-actuating means Mounted on a support 8| on the press bed II is an anvil or mold bottom 82, which forms a closure for a slidable mold 83. The slidable mold 83 consists of a block 84 having bores 85 for receiving connecting rods 88 having retaining nuts 81 and 88, threaded thereon. The block 84 is provided with a sleeve or mold lining 89 mounted in the bore 98, and having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the workpiece to be molded, i'or example, a rectangular cross-section for molding rectangular blocks. The mold sleeve or lining 89 is provided with one or more bores 2| 8 adapted to cheat communication between the lnterior of the sleeve 89 and an annular recess 2 in-the block 84. The bores 2|8 and the recess 2 are arranged intermediate the upper and lower end of the sleeve 89 so that at the end of the first compressing step, i. e. when the plunger 28 is temporarily withdrawn, to allow escape of the compressed air, the upper surface of the compressed molding material is below said bores 2 I8.

The annular recess 2 communicates with a conduit 2I2 leading to a control valve 2I3 which is normally closed but is adapted to be opened by energization of solenoid I91 associated therewith, so as to effect communication between the coriduit 2 I2 and a vacuum prevailing in the con-. tainer 284 and maintained therein by the pump 2I5 communicating with container 284 through conduit 2 I8. The pump 2| 5 ha its exhaust connected with a. collector 2" for collecting the powdered molding material ,withdrawn through the bores 2l8,

The lining 89 is retained in position within the bore 98 by a retaining member 89 surrounding the lower rim of th mold lining 89 and held in position by the bolts 98".

Mounted upon the upper side of the block 84, on opposite sides of the sleeve 89, is a plate 9| with parallel guides 92, bolted to the mold by the bolts 93. Slidably mounted in the parallel guides 92 is a mold charger 94 (Figures 2 and 4), in the form of a hopper and having anopen bottom- 95 adapted in one position to register with the mold cavity 98, which may move up and down relatively to the 'mold bottom 82. The mold charger 94 is provided with a handle 91 for moving it into and out of registry with the mold cavity 98. The plate 9| is provided with an opening 98 fitting around the upper rim of the mold sleeve 89. The plate 9| forms a bottom for the 'mold charger 94 when the latter. is retracted from its charging position over the mold cavity 98, this retraction being accomplished by means of the handle 91. Stop means 99, secured to the plate 9|, prevent the mold charger 94 from being drawn too far out of its guides 92. Mounted to be engaged and shifted by the mold charger 94,

. at the opposite limits of its travel, is a pair. of

limit switches I88 and I8I. These limit switches are described in more detail below. An additional limit switch I82 (Figure 3) is-mounted upon a blacket I82 bolted to the bottom of the solenoid 48 for actuation by the adjustable collar 5I on the upward stroke of the platen arm- 41 and switch-actuating rod 58 connected thereto.

The connecting rods '88 pass through bushings I83 and I 83" mounted in the press bed II, and are threaded at their lower ends to receive nuts I84, securing them to a crosshead I85. The upper surface I86 of each bushing I83 is tapered so that any particles of material which may fall upon it will slide down it and fall upon the press bed II. Each bushing I83 also has a cylindrical side wall I 81, which is of suflicient height that a pile of material particles can accumulate before there is any danger of these particles working their way into the bearing formed between the connecting rod 88 and the-bushings I83. The upper surfaces I88, for convenience, may be of conical form and thus prevent the accumulation of material or dirt particles occurring in bushings having the ordinary flat upper surfaces. Such bushings with flat upper surfaces accumulate particles of material or dirt which work their way down into the bushing and cause wear and scoring of the bushing or its connecting rod.

Secured to the crosshead I85, as by the bolt I88, is a plunger 189 with a piston head II8 reciprocable within the bore III of a cylinder H2. The cylinder H2 is provided with ports H3 and Ill near its opposite ends, and an intermediate port II5 spaced apart from the port II4 by approximately the thickness of thepiston head II8 (Figures 2 and 7). A packing II8 anda gland II8, bolted to the cylinder II2, serve to prevent leakage around .the plunger I89.

Adjustable stops III (Figures 1 and 5) are provided for engagement by the crosshead I85 so as to limit the distance through which the, mold 83 and mold lining'89 will move upward relatively to the mold bottom 82. By adjustin these stops m "the depth of themold cavity as from its upper rim to the upper surface of the mold bottom 82 can be varied so as to vary the sizes of the workpieces or blocks molded by the apparatus. In order to provide for such adjustment, the adjustable stops III are threaded, as at I I8 (Figure 5), to receive a threaded sleevelike nut. I I9 rotatably mounted in the anti-friction bearings I28, which in turn, are supported in the press bed portions |2I by the retaining rings I22 and I23, bolted thereto as at I24 and I28, respectively. Threaded upon the upper end of the sleeve-like nut H9 is a retaining collar I28. ,The sleeve-like nut H9 is provided with a longitudinal .keyway I21 for receiving a key I28, by which a bevel gear I29 is drivingly mounted upon the nut H9 and held in place by the set screw I38.

Meshing with the bevel gear I29 is a corresponding bevel-gear I3I, secured by the taper pin I32 to the shaft I33. The latter is rotatably mounted in a bore I34 in the lower end of a bracket I35, secured by the bolts I38 to the -press bed I I. Secured to the outer end of the shaft I33 is a sprocket I3'I meshing with a sprocket ing "Operation.

2 ,848,197 anism assembly shown in Figure 5 is thus du- Main hydraulic circuit The main hydraulic circuit (Figure s) for actuating the main plunger 22 and combination pull-back and booster plungers 23 is a closed circuit, and includes the reversible variable de-' livery pump I9, the surge tank I8, the main cylinder I5 and the combination booster and pull-back cylinders I6 and the two-way valve 51 already described. a The variable delivery pump I9 is provided with fluid connections IE2 and I49, which have opposite characteristics. The fiuid connection I42 is a suction connection during the forward stroke of the main plunger 22, whereas the connection I lit is a pressure connection at that time. On the retraction stroke of the main plunger 23, however, the connection I62 is a pressure connection and I43 is a suction connection.

Running from the connection I 43 to the twoway valve 51 is a conduit I44, and from-the twoway valve 51 a conduit I65 runs to the upper end of the main cylinder I5. A third conduit I48 runs from the upper end of the two-way valve 51 to a junction with a conduit I61 running from the connection I42 to other devices within the surge tank It. These devices consist oi! a check valve I49, a safety valve I49, a main cyl inder relief and pump by-pass valve I5II and a surge valve I5I. The conduit I52 runs from the conduit I41 to the safety valve I49, whence the conduit I53 runs to the operating chamber of the surge valve I5I. An additional conduit I54 runs from the conduit I53 to the valve I56, and a conduit I55 runs from the latter to the main cylinder I5. A safety valve I56 is also mounted within the surge tank I8 and connectedtby the conduit I51 to the main cylinder I5.

A. check valve I 56 within the surge tank It is connected by the conduit I59 to the conduit I66 interconnecting the upper ends of the cylinder I6, from which the conduit I6I runs to a junction with the conduit I44. The check valves I48 and I58 open in a direction toward the conduits I41 and I 59, to which they are connected so as to admit fluid from the surge tank II? to these conduits and to prevent passage of fluid in the opposite direction. The main cylinder relief and pump by-pass valve is disclosed and claimed in the patent to Ernst No. 1,956,758, dated May 1, 193.4, whereas the surge valve I5I is-similarly disclosed and claimed in the patent to Ernst No. 1,892,568, dated December 27, 1932. The lower ends of the cylinders I6 are intercom nected by a conduit I62, from which the conduit I 63 runs to ajunction with the conduit I41. The operation of the main hydraulic circuit .of Figure 6 is subsequently described under the head- Thus, the circuit of Figure 6 is a.closed circuit,'wherein the direction of flow oi the pressure fluid to the main cylinder I5 and the combination booster and pull-back cylinders I6 is effected by reversing the reversible delivery pump I9.

Mold-actuating. hydraulic circuit The auxiliary hydraulic circuit for moving the mold 83 upward or downward is an open circuit, and includes the surge tank I8, the variable delivery auxiliary pump 20, the four-way valve 10. the safety valve I64, the relief valve I65 and the cylinder II2. Thus, the direction of flow of the pressure fluid in the open circuit of Figure 7 is controlled by the shifting of the four-way valve 19. The variable delivery pump 26 is not reversed .during the operation of the press, but has a constant pressure connection I66 and suction connection I61. The suction connection I61 is connected by the exhaust conduit I68 to the surge tank I9, whereas the pressure connection I66 -is connected by the pressure conduit I69 to the safety valve I66.

Running from the pressure conduit I69 to the four-way valve 16 is apressure conduit I16. A branch pressure line I runs from the pressure conduit I69 to the pump control cylinder I12, the

- latter being mounted upon the opposite side of the pump 29 from the pressure regulating mech: anism. I13, controlled by the hand-wheel I16. The pressure regulating mechanism I13 consists of a spring assembly, the force of which is regulated by the hand-wheel I14. This'spring assembly urges the shiftring or flow-control memher of the pump 211 in a direction tending to place the pump upon stroke, whereas .a piston within the pump control cylinder I12, connected to the pump shiftrlng,- urges the latter in the opposite direction toward its neutral or no delivery position. This mechanism is conventional and well known to those skilled in the hydraulic pump art, and its details form no part of the present invention. When the pressure in the pressure conduits I69 and I10 reaches'a predetermined maximum, the piston within the pump control cylinder I12 will move. the pump flow-control member or shiftring to its neutral position, overcoming the thrust of' the spring assembly within the pressure regulating mechanism I13. The safety valve I64 is provided as an additional precaution against failure of the other mechanism to operate. Running from the opposite end of the pump control cylinder I12 to the port I I5 of the cylinder II2 is a conduit I15.

The four-way valve 19 is of a conventional type well known to those skilled in the art, and any suitable type may be used. In a convenient type of four-way valve, spaced piston heads are mounted upon the valve rod 12 and cooperate Electrical circuit The electrical circuit,'which controls the hydraulic circuits described above, is shown in the elementary circuit of Figure 8 and in' the elecferent contractors or control relays.

trical unit circuit of Figure 9. The elementary circuit of Figure 8 shows the relative connections of the various switches operated by the dif- I The more elaborate circuit of Figure 9 shows the switches of each contactor arranged adjacent the operating coil thereof so that the various electrical units and their switches are collected. For tracing the circuits, therefore, it is convenient to utilize Figure 8, whereas for locating the dinerent interlocks or switch blades operated by the different conta'ctors or control relays, it is ad visable to consult Figure 9.

The electrical circuit consists of a plurality of control relays or contactors, limit switches, time relays and manual switches for controlling the energization of the solenoids 40and I5, described. above. The solenoid 40, as previously stated, when energized shifts the servomotor control valve rod 29 to put the main pump I9 upon stroke for delivery of pressure fluid to the conduit I44, whereby the press plungers 22 and 23 are caused to advance. When the solenoid 40 is deenergized, a spring within the servomotor 28 causes the servomotor control valve rod 29 to move in the opposite direction for reversing the delivery of the variable delivery pump I9. The solenoid I5, on the other hand, controls the shifting of the valve rod I2 of the four-way valve 10.

When energized the solenoid I5 shifts the fourway valve I to direct'pressure fluid from the pressure conduits I69 and I10 to the conduit I16 leading to the port H3 at the top of the mold-shifting cylinder H2, causing the plunger I09'and connecting rods 86 to move, the mold 83 downward past the mold bottom 82, so as to eject the workpiece from the mold cavity 98. When the solenoid I5 is deenergized,'however, a spring associated with the valvel0 shifts the valve rod I2 in the opposite direction to direct pressure fluid to the conduit III leading to the port 4 at the bottom of the, mold-shifting cylinder II2. This causes the plunger I09 and connecting rods 86 to move upward past the mold bottom 82 until'the crosshead I05 encounters the ends of the stop rods ll'l and halts, thereby placing the upper rim of the mold cavity 96 a predetermined distance above the mold bottom 82. When one of the conduits I18 or I'll thus becomes a pressure conduit, the other conduit is automatically connected by the four-way valve 10 to the exhaust conduit I18 leading to the surge tank I8.

The electrical control circuit also contains three limit switches I00, IOI and I02, previously mentioned. The limit switch I00 is a normally open limit switch which is closed when it is engaged by the mold charger 94 at its inner position over the mold cavity 98. This switch, when closed, brings about the energization of the solenoid I5, to shift the four-way valve I0 into a position causing the plunger I09, the connecting rods 88 and mold 83'to move upward relatively to the mold bottom 82. When the mold charger 94 is moved outward the limit switch I00 is automatically opened, but the energization of the solenoid I5 is temporarily maintained through a holding circuit described below.

The limit switch IOI is normally open and is closed by the engagement of the mold charger 94 at the outer position of the latter, this normally open limit switch IOI being in series with the circuit controlling the energization of the solenoid; 40, and must be closed by the mold charger 94 in its outer or retracted position before the solenoid 40 can be energized to place the main variable delivery pump I9 upon itsforward stroke and cause the main platen 25 to advance. The limit switch IN is, therefore, a

safety switch which insures that the mold charger 94 shall be completely withdrawn from beneath the mold plunger 26 before the latter can advance into the mold cavity 96.

The limit switch I02 is a normally closed track switch, which is opened by the adjustable collar 5| on the rod 50 attached to the platen arm 41 on the return stroke only of the main platen 25. When this normally closed switch is thus opened, it brings about the deenergization of the solenoid I5 so as to permit the spring associated with the four-way valve 10 to shift the latter and cause the mold-shifting plunger I09 to move downward, carrying with it the connecting rods 86, mold 83 and mold lining 89 downwardpast the mold bottom 82. This action leaves the workpiece or briquette exposed on top of the mold bottom 82, ready to be ejected from the press when the operator next moves the mold charger 94 inward to recharge the mold.

The control circuit also contains a normally I a predetermined pressure in the main cylinder circuit, hence, in response to the attainment of ;a predetermined pressure upon the workpiece or briquette. The blade I controls the energization of one of the contactor coils, as herein-' after described, whereas the blade I80 controls the energization of a time relay, also described below.

l The control circuit also contains two time relays I8I and I82. The energization of the time relay I8I is under the control of the pressure switch I80, and has a single normally closed blade I8I=. The time relay I8I regulates the length of a pressure dwell at the end of the for.- ward or pressing stroke of the molding plunger 26, and starts running when the normally open pressure switch I80 closes its switch blade I80 upon its contacts. At the expiration of the time period for which the time relay I8I is set, it opens its normally closed blade I8I which deenergizes several of the contactors mentioned below, among them a contactor which deenergizes the solenoid 40 which causes the reversal of the main variable delivery pump I9.

The time relay I82 has a single normally open switch blade I82 which controls the energization of one of the contactors and is also in itself controlled by another contactor, as explained below. The time relay I82 controls the time period during which the molding plunger 26 backs off and slightly retracts after making a partial molding stroke. 'This backing-oil. is for the purpose of permitting entrapped air to escape from the workpiece or briquette. At the expiration of the time period for which the time relay I82 is set, the latter closes its normally open switch blade I82 and brings about the reenergization of the solenoid 40 and with it the setting of the main pump I9 upon its forward delivery to cause the molding plunger 28 to again advance and tor switches and limit switches, subsequently to be described. The switch blades Iill and I9I directly control the energization of the solenoid 49 as to both of its leads.

The contactor I92 is directly under the control of the time relay switch I82 and the time relay switch I M, as well as the limit switch IIJI, andis provided with three normally open switch blades 892 I92 and I92. The switch blade I92 cooperates with the pressure switch blade Iau to control the energization of the time relay IBI. The switch blades I92 and l92 directly control the energization of the main solenoid 49 by closing bridging circuits around the normally open switch blades Isl and I9! (Figure 8). The contactor I92-controls the resumed advance of the molding plunger 26 to complete its molding stroke after it has been momentarily halted and backed ofi by the closing of the pressure switch I89 for the escape of the air bubbles from the workpiece or briquette. The contactor 892 thus reenergizes the main solenoid 89 while the contactor I9! is in a deenergized condition following the backing-on stroke of the molding plunger 26.

' and also under the control of one of the switch blades of the contactor I95, as well as the limit switch IIIYI.I

The contactor I94 is provided with three nor- I mally open switch 'blades aw, new and m The switch blade- I94 controls a holding circuit in the energization of the contactor- I94, subject to the control exercised by the limit switch I02.

The switch blades I94" and I 94 directly control the energization of the auxlliary solenoid I5, and

hence, control the shifting oi the four-way valve It to control the motion of the mold-shiftingplu ger I09 and the rise and fall of the mold 83.

The contractor switch I95 controls the temporary backing-01f or reversal of the molding plunger 26 for releasing entrapped air after the partial completion of a molding stroke. Its energization is under the control of the pressure switch blade I80, and is also under the control of the time relay switch blade I9I and the limit switch IoI. The contactor I95 is provided with two normally open switch blades I95 and I 95,- and a normally closed switch blade I99". The normally open switch .blade I95 controls the energization of the contactor I 93, with the cooperation of'the time relay switch blade I9I and the limit switch IIII. The normally open switch blade I95 closes a holding circuit around the pressure switch blade I99 and maintains the energization of the contactor I95. The normally closed switch blade I95 controls the energization of the contactor I9I,in cooperation with the Energlzatlon oi the contactor,

ing or its normally closed switch blade I deenergizes the contactor I, which in turn, deenergizes the main solenoid 40 and causes the molding plunger 29 to back ofi temporarily while the time relay I92 is running its course. When the time period or the time relay I82 has expired, its normally open switch blade I92 closes and energizes the contactor I92, which a previously stated, subsequently controls the readvance of the molding plunger 28 and the completion of the molding stroke. On the other hand, eneri ation of the contactor I92 opens the switch blade I92 thereby deenergizing solenoid I96 and consequently also solenoid I9l, so that the control valve 6 I3 closes again. 7

The control circuit also contains a number of manually operated switches, among thes an onofi switch 299, a pair of normally open forward push-button switches 2M and 292 and a pair of normally closed reverse push-button switches 299 and 209. These ually operated switches are mounted upon the control switch panel I9 on the left-hand cover plate I9, at the trout of the press (Figure 1). The control circuit also includes a resistor rot and a signal 211; act, directly connected between the p wer lines 20? and 29, from which the control circuit is energiered but under the control of the on-oif switch dilcmtion In the operation of the press the motor 2! for operating the pumps I9 and 2% is started in operation. The operator then closes the on-ofi switch to its "on positionso that the control circuit is energized; By rotating the hand-wheel MI the operator has positioned the adjustable stops Ill for controlling the desired depth of the mold cavity 96: It is also assumed that'the operator has filled the mold changer 9t, pushed it into position above the mold cavity 9% and has thereby filled the latter to the level of its top with molding material, whereupon the operator has pulled the mold charger 94 back to its outermost position, thereby closing the normally open limit switch IilI. The circuit is now ready for starting a, working cycle. I

To start a working cycle the operator depresses both forward push-button switches 21 and 202. This energizes the contactors I99 and I9I provided that the normally open limit switch IOI has been kept closed by holding the mold charger 94 in its outermost position. The energization of the contact-or I9! closes its normally open main blades I9I and I9I, thereby energizing the main solenoid 49 and setting the shiftring or flow-control member ofthe main pump I9 on stroke for forward delivery. The main pump thendelivers pressure fluid through the conduits I, "SI and I69 to the upper ends of the booster and pull-back cylinders I8, causing the plungers 23 and the platen 25 to move downward at a rapid traverse speed. Atthis time the surge valve IilI (Figure 6) opens automatically by the suction created by the descent of the main plunger 22 and prefllls the main cylinder I! with fluid directly from the surge tank II. When the main platen'25 has descended a sufllcientdistance, the platen arm SI engages the adjustable collar 62 and pulls down the valve rod 59 of the twoway valve 5]. Pressure fluid then passes from the conduit I, throughthe ,now open two-way valve 51 and the conduit I", into the upper end of the main cylinder Iland acts against. the pper end or the main plunger 22, adding its force to the force exerted by the booster plungers 23.

Meanwhile, the adjustable collar on the rod 50 attached to the platen arm 41 has passed by the limit switch I02 without shifting the latter, because the limit switch I02 is constructed and arranged to be shifted only upon the upstroke of the collar iii. The molding plunger 26 then enters the mold cavity 96 and presses the molding material therein downward against the stationary mold bottom 82. Meanwhile, the accumulation of pressure within the main cylinder I5, caused by the slowing down of the molding plunger 26 as it encounters resistance, automaticaily closes the surge valve I5I and auses the full pressing pressure to be exerted. As the pressing proceeds the pressure created in the main cylinder I5 reaches a predetermined value and closes the normally open; pressure switch I88.

The closing of the pressure switch blade. I90 energizes the contactor I95 by way of the normally closed time relay switch blade I8I, the reverse push-button 284 and the normally open but now closed limit switch MI. The energization of the contactor I95 opens its normally closed switch blade I95, deenergizing the contactor I9I and causing its holding circuit switch blade I91 to open. The consequent opening of the switch blade I9I and switch blade I9I deenergizes the main solenoid 48, whereupon the servomotor 28 of the pump I9 is shifted to its reverse position, causing the pump I8 to reverse and deliver pressure fluid through the conduits I63 and I62 to the bottoms of the cylinders I6,

the pressure from the workpiece so as to permit the entrapped air to be withdrawn by the vacuum pump H5 in the following manner;

A At the instant the contactor I95 was energized its normally open switch blade I95 closed and formed a holding circuit for thecontactor I95.

Energization of the contactor I95 and thereby closure of switch blade I95 establishes a circuit through switch blade I95, solenoid I96 and switch blade I92 so that solenoid I96 is energized and its switch blades I96 and I96 close. This establishes a circuit through solenoid I91 which is thus energized and by opening control valve 2I3 effects communication between the bores 2! and the vacuum pump 2I5. At the same time the normally open switch blade I95 closed and energized ,the contactor I93 by way of the-normally closed time relay switch blade I8I, the reverse switch 204 and the limit switch IIiI (Figure 8). The energization of the relay I93 closes its normally open blade I93 and immediately energizes the time relay I82. Thus the latter starts in operation when the pressure switch I88 shifts in response to the attainment of the predetermined pressure for which it is set. When the set time period of the time relay I82 has expired, the latter closes its normally open switch blade I82 thereby energizing the contactor I92 by way of the normally closed time relay switch blade I8I the reverse switch 284 and the limit switch IIlI.

The energization of contactor I92 closes its nor places the time relay I8I in condition for subsequent energization by the pressure switch I88.

mally open blades I92 and I92, to bridgethe shifts the flow-control member of the main pump I9 to its forward delivery position, causing it to resume delivery of fluid to resume the advance of the moldingplunger 26. At the same time the simultaneous closing of the switch blade I92 The molding plunger 26 again engages the workpiece within the mold cavity 96, and brings the pressing stroke to a conclusion.

The energization of the contactor I92 also opens the switch blade I92 thereby deenergizing the solenoid I96 and consequently also the solenoid I91, so that the control valve H3 closes again and breaks the communication between the .vacuum pump 2I5 and the bores 2"].

I8I commences its period of operation. This causes the molding plunger 26 to exert a pressure dwell upon the workpiece or briquette during the expiration of the time relay time period. When this expires the time relay mechanism opens the normally closed time relay switch blade IBI, and simultaneously deenergizes the contactors I92, I93 and I95'(Figure 8). When the contactor I92 is thus deenergized its normally open blade I92 opens and deenergizes the time relay I8I, whereas the normally open blades I92 and I92 also open so as to deenergize the main solenoid 48, Thus, the first deenergization of the main solenoid 40 was brought about for a period of time controlled by the time relay I82, whereas the final deenergization thereof was directly under the control of the time relay I8I'. The deenergization of the contactors I93 and I95, by the opening of the time relay switch blade I8I', automatically opens the switch blades of these contactors.

As the main platen 25 travels upward on its retraction stroke, the platen arm 41 carries the switch-actuating rod 50 upward to a point where the collar 5| engages and opens the normally closed limit switch I02. The opening of the limit switch I92 (Figure 8) deenergizes the contactor I96 and causes its holding circuit switch blade I94 likewise to open. The consequent opening of the contactor switch blades I94 and I94 deenergizes the auxiliary solenoid 15 so as to permit the spring associated with the four-way valve 18 to shift the valve to its opposite position (Figure '7) so that it delivers pressure fluid to the conduit I16 and exhausts fluid from the conduit Ill. The mold-shifting plunger I89 moves downward, carrying with it the mold 83 until the upper rim of the mold lining 89 descends to the level of the upper surface of the mold bottom 82. This action ejects the workpiece or briquette and leaves it resting upon the mold bottom 82 with the mold 83 withdrawn to its lower position. .On the next operation, the operator having refilled the mold charger 94, pushes it into registration with the mold aperture .96. The inwardmotion of the mold charger 94 at the same time pushes the finished workpiece or briquette oil the mold bottom 32 and into a suitable chute, or

This yielding When the pressure again reaches the set.

other receiver for finished workpieces. When the mold. charger 94 reaches its innermost position over the mold cavity 96, it engages and closes the limit switch I00, thereby reenergizing the contactor I94 because the normally closed limit switch I02 has immediately closed again after the passage of the collar 5| on the rod '50. The reenergization of-the contactor I94 again energizes the auxiliary solenoid I5, which in turn, shifts the four-way valve I0 to its mold-raising position, causing the mold-shifting plunger I09 and the mold 83 to rise and return to their upper positions. After-the mold cavity 96 has again been filled with molding material, the operator pulls the mold charger 94 back to its outermost position, thereby closing the normally open limit switch IOI and opening the normally open limit switch I00. The energization of the contactor I94, however, is'maintained by the holding circuit through its switch blade or interlock I94 bridging the limit switch I00.

In the meantime the press platen 25 has moved upward upon its retraction stroke to a point where the platen arm 41 engages the collar 48 and lifts the main press control rod 56. This motion is transmitted, through the levers 31, 34 and 32, and the connecting rods 35 and 33, to the servomotor control valve rod 29, moving the latter to a position which causesthe servomotor to shift the flow-control member or shiftring of the pump to its neutral or no delivery position. The main platen 25, therefore, halts at its uppermost position and remains halted until the operator starts another operating cycle by depressing the forward push-buttons 20I and 202, in the manner previously described. The press may be halted at any point in its forward or return strokes merely by depressing the normallyclosed reverse push-button switches 203 and 204, this feature being valuable in an emergency.

The return stroke of the main platen 25 is accomplished at a rapid traverse speed by the admission of pressure fluid to the'lower ends of the cylinders I6. Thus, the plungers 23 are double acting so that their upper sides serve as booster plungers for rapidly advancing the main platen 25, and their under sides serve as pull-back areas for rapidly retracting the main platen 25. The motion of the mold 83 upward when the mold charger 94 moves into position above it, creates a suction which helps to draw the molding material into the mold cavity 06. This suction, as well as the gradual decreasing of the mold in depth, serves to reduce the arching over effect previousparticularly with bon.

of material becomes smaller vin size beingformed into a block. Y

The essence of the novel molding method' a cording to the present invention will.be best alized by reference to Figures 10 to '15 diagram matically illustrating various stages of the moldtime it.

ing method. vStage a showsthe top member-26 of the mold 84 in its uppermost position in' which .it doesv not engage the mold 83; similarly also 1 mold 86 is in its uppermost position. Themold top portion 26 is now moved downwardly. sov as to slidably engage the inner walls ofthe mold 83. The molding material between the top member 26 and the bottom member 82 of themold is now compressed and the friction between the partially compressed molding material and the inner walls of the mold 83 causes the latter likewise tomovedownwardly together with the top. member: 26."

When the material has beencompressed to acertain extent so that a predetermined resistancetrapped between the top member 26 and the compressed molding material to escape from the mold 03. Thereafter the movement of the top memb r 26 is again reversed as illustrated in stage 0, in which the arrows indicate that the top member 26 and the mold 83 move together downwardly. The final stage of the pressing operation is the stage d, inwhich thematerial has been compressed to the desired extent. Thereafter the top member 26 is again moved upwardly whilethe mold 83 temporarily remains in its position. Now the operation has reached stage e whereupon the ejection of the molded article is effected by moving the mold 83 downwardly until its uppermost portion is about flush with the stationary bottom filed May 6, 1939.

The slowing up of the main platen 25 and molding plunger 26 has the beneficial effect of reducing the blowing away of the molding material, and hence, reduces the formation of dust. The slow pressing at the end of the working stroke has the further beneficial result of slowly squeezing the crystals or particles into their final positions so that they do not have the tendency later to shift around and cause stratification, In

me chanical presses, for example, the pressing It will be understood that we desire to comprehend w thin our invention such modifications as come within the scope of the claims and the invention.

Having thus fully described our invention,

what we claim as new and desire to secure b Letters Patent, is: y

1. A method of molding granular material in a mold with a top and bottom member movable relative to the mold, which comprises the steps of locating the top member outside the mold, moving the mold and bottom member relative to each other so as to locate the upper surface of' the latter adjacent the upper portion of the mold,

'filling the mold with molding material while gradually increasing the distance between the upper portion of the mold and the upper surface of the mold bottom member, inserting the mold top member into the mold and moving said top member toward said bottom member, exerting pressure, temporarily releasing the pressure on the molding material when said first predeter-.

mined'pressure has been reached, and, while said pressure is released. pumping out the air entrapped in the mold, thereafter again moving the top member toward the bottom member while applying pressure to said top member independ ent of said cushioning pressure until a second predetermined pressure has been reached, with drawing the top member after attainment of said last mentioned pressure, and ejecting the molded article from the mold.

2. A method of molding granular material in a mold with relatively movable top and bottom members which comprises the steps of locating the top member outside the mold and the bottom member inside the mold, filling the mold with granular material, inserting the mold top member in the mold and moving said top member toward said bottom member, compressing said molding material to a predetermined pressure, temporarily releasing the pressure on the molding material when said predetermined pressure has been reached, and, while pressure is released,

pumping out the air entrapped in the mold, and thereafter relatively moving the top and bottom members of the mold to apply a second predetermined pressure to the molding material.

3. A method of molding granular material in a mold having relatively movable top and bottom members, which comprises the steps of locating said members in position to receive the molding material between them in tr. mold, filling the mold with molding material, relatively moving said members while applying to the molding material through said members sufllcient pressure to compress the material to a predetermined degree, temporarily releasing the pressure on the molding material when said predetermined pressure has been reached, and, while said pressure is released, pumping out the air entrapped in the mold, and subsequently re-applying pressure to the molding material in the mold.

WALTER ERNST. LESLIE s. HUBBERT. 

